March Free Film Fridays - Museum of Science, Boston
Fridays in March

Visitors to the Omni theater can experience the giant dome magic - for free -- every Friday in March. Swim alongside some of the Earth’s most graceful creatures in Dolphins, go on a heart-pounding science adventure exploring the evolution of tornadoes in Tornado Alley, or journey with more than 1.5 million animals over 500 miles across the Serengeti plains in Africa: The Serengeti.

Visit the website for daily schedule. All films are first come, first served. Free

The Pied Piper - Fenn School, Concord
Opens Friday 3/9

Concord Youth Theatre presents an original production of the classic tale of the people of Hamlin, who are saved by a piper and his magic flute. Tickets $13

Maple Sugar Days - Brookwood Farm (Blue Hills), Milton
Sat-Sun 3/10-3/11

It’s sugaring’ time in the Blue Hills! Watch as maple syrup is made in the traditional way. Smell the wood smoke as you watch clouds of steam rise from the bubbling sap. Savor the taste of real maple syrup. Admission $6

Sugaring Tours - Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
Sat-Sun 3/10-3/11 & 3/17-3/18

Visitors tour the sanctuary’s sugar bush and learn how to identify a sugar maple tree, observe tapping and sap collection methods, discover how sap becomes syrup in the sugarhouse, and get a sweet taste of the final product. Tours last about an hour and run rain or shine. Warm up after your tour by the wood stove in the barn, where homemade soup and baked goods, maple sugar candy, books and gift items, plus the sanctuary’s own maple syrup, are available for sale.

Advance registration is required. Tour times: 10am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm. Adults $9; Children $8

Maple Magic Day - Natick Community Organic Farm, Natick
Sat-Sun 3/10-3/11
Farm visitors can go on a maple sugaring tour and learn about Native American and Colonial sugaring techniques while experiencing how the Farm sugars today. Admission $6

Celebrate China - Mandarin Hotel, Boston
Saturday, 3/10
See a lion dance performance (1:30pm), try traditional Chinese brush painting, make your own folding fans and paper lanterns, enjoy storytelling and a Tai Chi demonstration (11:30am), and explore Chinese culture with a selection of Barefoot Books stories. Free

Karen K and the Jitterbugs - Regent Theatre, Arlington
Saturday 3/10

Karen K & her Jitterbugs are rising stars in the “kindie” music scene (the blend of kids music and indie rock) thanks to their eclectic sound and Karen K’s memorable, original songs that have kids - parents, too! - singing and dancing in the aisles. Adults $10; Children $8

Little Redcoats: Kids Reenact the Boston Massacre - Old State House, Boston
Saturday, 3/10

With little red coats and styrofoam snowballs, young visitors are the stars in a recreation of the Boston Massacre. (11am & 2pm).

The specific roles (soldiers, victims, etc.) are chosen just before the event begins, but all visitors are able to participate as the “mob.”  Both performances tend to be very crowded, but the morning session is usually less so.  If your children are very interested in being one of the soldiers or victims, the Old State House recommends coming to the morning session and coming early. Free

Immediately following the Kids' Reenactment, come inside to watch patriot lawyers John Adams and Josiah Quincy defend the British soldiers accused of murdering Bostonians. Audience members are invited to act as witnesses and jurors for this celebrated case. Free with museum admission; in the Old State House. Space is limited; tickets go on sale at 9:00 a.m. at the Old State House Museum front desk.

Davey the Clown - Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
Saturday, 3/10

Davey’s show includes juggling, amazing magic, incredible unicycling (on a 6-foot unicycle!), wacky antics, balloon sculpture, audience participation, and a rubber chicken. Plus accordion music, and a parade with volunteers from the audience. Adults $9.75; Children $7.75

Picture Book Showcase - Brookline Booksmith, Brookline
Sunday, 3/11

Pinwheel Books, a Brookline-based children’s’ publisher, visits the bookstore along with some of their picture book authors and illustrators, including Sylvia Westphal and Nicole Gsell (Sam and Ben), Taco Matthews (Francisco’s Fabulous Friends) and Kate Hayes. Free

Seussical - Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, Newton
Sunday, 3/11

Dr. Seuss’ beloved characters collide and cavort in a performance adapted from the Broadway musical for young audiences. Audience members tag along with The Cat in the Hat - host, emcee, and all-around mischief-maker - for a romp through the Dr. Seuss classics. Performances at 1pm & 3pm. Tickets $12

Final Notes:

For kids: Beloved children’s author Mo Willems introduces his latest picture book, The Duckling Gets a Cookie, on April 1 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. The event, arranged in conjunction with Brookline Booksmith, is free, but tickets are required. While they are still available, they’re going fast, so call today if you think you’d like to attend.

For parents: Dr. Robert Brooks, a leading speakers and parenting experts on fostering resilience, self-esteem, strength and optimism in children, presents Raising Resilient Children-A Special Evening with Dr. Robert Brooks on March 22 in Wayland. Register by March 20.